EP1085488A2 - Self-locking wire seal - Google Patents
Self-locking wire seal Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1085488A2 EP1085488A2 EP00650127A EP00650127A EP1085488A2 EP 1085488 A2 EP1085488 A2 EP 1085488A2 EP 00650127 A EP00650127 A EP 00650127A EP 00650127 A EP00650127 A EP 00650127A EP 1085488 A2 EP1085488 A2 EP 1085488A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- channel
- wire
- self
- seal
- spring
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
- G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
- G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
- G09F3/03—Forms or constructions of security seals
- G09F3/0305—Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used
- G09F3/037—Forms or constructions of security seals characterised by the type of seal used having tie-wrap sealing means
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/48—Seals
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T292/00—Closure fasteners
- Y10T292/48—Seals
- Y10T292/491—Distorted shackle
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to tamper-evident seals, and more particularly to wire seals.
- Strap seals generally include a flat, typically plastic or metal strap which is inserted through the hasp of a lock. The strap end is then inserted into the seal body where it cannot be removed.
- An example of such a strap seal is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,513,421 issued to Wells.
- One of the disadvantages of strap seals is that the strap has a relatively large dimension, as compared to a wire.
- the strap typically is flat and includes a pair of broadly planar surfaces. Such seals cannot be used in locks having hasps of a relatively narrow aperture. Such locks require the use of a seal having a wire or other relatively narrow, elongated member.
- the present invention provides a self-locking wire seal which can be operated with only a single step.
- the seal is both easy to use and economical to manufacture and provides all the benefits associated with prior art wire seals.
- a self-locking wire seal includes a body and a spiral wound wire which has a first end secured to the body.
- a channel is defined in the body and is sufficiently large to receive a second end of the spiral wound wire.
- a lock is positioned inside of the body adjacent the channel and is adapted to contact the spiral wound wire when it is inserted in the channel. The lock allows the wire to be inserted but not retracted from the channel.
- a self-locking seal includes a body, a flexible, elongated member, and a channel defined in the body. An interior space is also defined in the body and in communication with the channel.
- a spring is housed in the interior space of the body.
- the spring includes a sidewall, a base wall, and a flexible arm.
- the sidewall is oriented generally parallel to the channel while the base wall is oriented generally perpendicular to the channel.
- the flexible arm is oriented at an angle with respect to the base wall and extends partially into the channel.
- the base wall includes an aperture in alignment with the channel.
- a self-locking seal includes a body having a plurality of sides.
- the body includes a first channel and a second channel.
- the first channel extends out of one of the plurality of sides of the body while the second channel extends through said body from one side to an opposite side of the body.
- a chamber is also defined in the body and is in communication with the first channel.
- a slug is provided and is dimensioned to fit within the chamber.
- a wire is secured to the slug and extends out of the body through the first channel.
- a spring is housed within the body and extends at least partially into the second channel. The spring is flexible enough to be pushed out of the channel when the wire is inserted into the second channel in a first direction. The spring is also oriented at an angle in the second channel such that the spring grips the wire when the wire is retracted in the second channel in a second direction opposite the first direction.
- a method of sealing an object having an opening includes providing a seal body having a metal wire secured thereto.
- the metal wire has a free end which is unsecured to the seal body.
- a channel is defined within the body and a flexible spring is provided within the body.
- the flexible spring extends at least partially into the channel and is oriented to grip the metal wire when the metal wire moves through the channel in a first direction.
- the flexible spring flexes out of the way of the metal wire when the wire is moved through a channel in a second direction opposite said first direction.
- the free end of the metal wire is inserted through the opening in the object and subsequently inserted until the free end moves past the flexible spring.
- the self-locking wire seal of the present invention involves only the single step of inserting the wire into a channel in the body.
- the insertion of the wire self locks the wire in the channel of the body. No extra steps of twisting or inserting are required.
- a self-locking wire seal 20 is depicted in Fig. 1 in unassembled form.
- Self-locking wire seal 20 includes a body 22 having a first and second half 24 and 26, respectively.
- a lock 28, which in this case comprises a spring 30, is housed between first and second halves 24 and 26 of body 22.
- a spiral wound wire 32 is secured at a first end 34 to a slug 36.
- Slug 36 is sandwiched between first and second halves 24 and 26 of body 22. Slug 36 retains first end 34 of spiral wound wire 32 in body 22.
- a second, free end 38 of wire 32 is inserted into a channel 40 defined in body 22.
- Channel 40 intersects a portion of spring 30 and is generally aligned with an aperture 42 defined in spring 30.
- first and second halves 24 and 26 are secured together and enclose spring 30 and slug 36.
- second end 38 of wire 32 is inserted into channel 40 past spring 30.
- wire 32 first contacts a flexible arm 44 of spring 30, flexible arm 44 is moved out of the way of wire 32. Wire 32 can therefore be inserted past flexible arm 44. Wire 32, however, cannot be retracted out of channel 40 because of the gripping of wire 32 by flexible arm 44.
- flexible arm 44 fits under an edge of the spiral windings of spiral wound wire 32.
- the spiral winding contacts flexible arm 44 and prevents wire 32 from being retracted.
- seal 20 is self-locking and only requires the insertion of wire 32 into channel 40.
- First half 24 of body 22 is preferably made of plastic, although other materials could be used.
- First half 24 includes a first side 46 and second side 48.
- First half 24 further includes three channel-defining protrusions (Figs. 1-6).
- the first and second channel protrusions 50 partially define first channel 40 in body 22 (see Figs. 1 and 2).
- a third channel protrusion 54 partially defines a second channel 56 in body 22 and is, in the current embodiment, oriented generally parallel to first channel 40.
- first channel 40 extends from first side 46 to second side 48 of first half 24.
- Second channel 56 extends into the interior of first half 24, but does not extend completely through first half 24.
- Protrusions 50 and 54 include a generally semi-circular surface 58 which is positioned along corresponding semi-circular surfaces on second half 26 to thereby define first and second channels 40 and 56. Wire 32 fits through first and second channels 40 and 56.
- first channel protrusion 50 includes a sloped surface 60. When spiral wound wire is inserted into first channel 40, it is inserted through first side 46 of body 22. It passes through the portion of first channel 40 defined by second channel protrusion 50. It then passes through a trapezoidal space 82 where lock 28 is positioned. Finally, it passes into the portion of first channel 40 defined by first channel protrusion 50. Sloped surface 60 helps ensure that wire 32 is properly guided into the portion of first channel 40 defined by first channel protrusion 50. Thereafter, wire 32 exits out of second side 48 of body 22.
- First half 24 further includes a trapezoidal block 64 which is defined generally between first and second channel protrusions 50.
- Trapezoidal block 64 fits into the interior space 66 of spring 30 (see Figs. 11-12). Trapezoidal block is dimensioned somewhat smaller than interior space 66 to allow a certain degree of flexing of flexible arm 44 of spring 30. Trapezoidal block 64, however, limits the flexing of flexible arm 44 toward a base wall 68 of spring 30. Trapezoidal block 64 locates base wall 68 of spring 30, and prevents base wall 68 from moving upon insertion of wire 32.
- a block extension 70 is defined adjacent trapezoidal block 64 and helps guide wire 32 through first channel 40.
- First half 24 further includes six circular bonding areas 72. Bonding areas 72 project outwardly from first half 24 body 22. Bonding area 72 are used in securing first half 24 to second half 26 of body 22. While a wide variety of different methods can be used to secure these two halves together, in the current embodiment, first and second halves 24 and 26 are ultrasonically welded together.
- Figs. 7-10 depict second half 26 of body 22.
- second half 26 includes six bonding depressions 74 which receive the bonding protrusions 72 on first half 24.
- Second half 26 further includes recesses 76 and 78 which receive first, second, and third channel protrusions 50 and 54 from first half 24.
- Recesses 76 and 78 include a semicircular surface 80 which aligns with semicircular surface 58 when first and second halves 24 and 26 are secured together. When semicircular surfaces 80 and 58 abut each other, they define first and second channels 40 and 56.
- Second half 26 further includes a trapezoidal recess 82 which accommodates spring 30.
- An angled portion 52 (Figs.
- Trapezoidal recess 82 includes an angled wall 84 which has a greater angle than the unflexed angle of flexible arm 44 of spring 30.
- Second half 26 further includes a slug recess 86 positioned toward the end of second channel 56.
- Slug recess 86 is dimensioned to accommodate slug 36 (Figs. 1, 13, and 14) that is fixedly secured to first end 34 of spiral wound wire 32.
- Slug 36 secures first end 34 of wire 32 internally in body 22 of seal 20.
- Spring 30 includes, in addition to flexible arm 44, base wall 68 and sidewall 92.
- Base wall 68 and sidewall 92 are oriented generally perpendicular to each other (Figs. 11 and 12).
- Flexible arm 44 extends at an angle from base wall 68 toward sidewall 92.
- Flexible arm 44 does not reach entirely to sidewall 92, but instead terminates adjacent thereto and defines a gap 94 between sidewall 92 and flexible arm 44.
- Gap 94 is where wire 32 fits when inserted into seal 20.
- Slug 36 is depicted in Figs. 13 and 14 and is attached by any conventional means to first end 34 of wire 32.
- Slug 36 is made of metal in the current embodiment, but could be made of any suitable material. Slug 36 prevents first end 34 of wire 32 from being removed from the body 22 of wire seal 20.
- spiral wound wire 32 is depicted in fig. 15.
- Spiral wound wire 32 is a conventional wire that is commercially available from a variety of sources.
- spiral wound wire is a concentrically laid stainless steel wire that has eight wrappings per inch of wire.
- the turns of the spiral wrapping on wire 32 define a series of notches which are engaged by an edge 96 of spring 30 in the manner of a ratchet and thereby prevent wire 32 from being retracted out of seal 20.
- the spiral wound wire has a cross-sectional width of less than 0.1 inch.
- the main wire of spiral wound wire 32 has a diameter of .019 inches, while the spiral wire has a diameter of .016 inches.
- Wires with other dimensions can of course be used.
- the ends the wire are fused together, i.e., welded. This welding of the two wire elements allows a rounded finish which eases insertion and serves to keep the assembly together under physical stress.
- the terminal weld also serves to indicate that the seal is as it came from the factory. A cut, sharp end would indicate the possibility of tampering.
- Fig. 16 depicts an assembled self-locking wire seal 20 according to one embodiment of the current invention.
- second end 38 of wire 32 Prior to use, second end 38 of wire 32 is not inserted into second channel 56 of body 22.
- second end 38 of wire 32 is first inserted through the hasp of the lock, or other looping structure, which is desired to be secured.
- Second end 38 of wire 32 is then inserted into second channel 56 past spring 30.
- the spiral wound nature of wire 32 in combination with edge 96 of flexible arm 44, prevents wire 32 from being retracted out of the body of the seal.
- wire 32 is inserted fully into second channel 56 until the loop formed by wire 32 is as small as possible. In this manner, any tampering with the lock secured by seal 20 is detectable. If the loop is left too large, then it is possible to cut wire 32 and reinsert the cut end into second channel 56 and thereby avoid detection of tampering.
- Fig. 17 depicts a first half 24' according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- First half 24' differs from the first embodiment in that it includes an elongated section or tag 98.
- First half 24' is joined to a second half that is the same as second half 26 of the first embodiment.
- Tag 98 of first half 24' provides a highly visible area for stamping a unique serial number associated with the particular seal. In this way. a seal cannot simply be cut and replaced with another seal without being detected. Such a serial number can also be stamped onto first half 24, although it does not have as highly a visible section as elongated section 98.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Flexible Shafts (AREA)
- Gasket Seals (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates generally to tamper-evident seals, and more particularly to wire seals.
- Prior art locking seals generally come in two types: strap seals and wire seals. Strap seals generally include a flat, typically plastic or metal strap which is inserted through the hasp of a lock. The strap end is then inserted into the seal body where it cannot be removed. An example of such a strap seal is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,513,421 issued to Wells. One of the disadvantages of strap seals is that the strap has a relatively large dimension, as compared to a wire. The strap typically is flat and includes a pair of broadly planar surfaces. Such seals cannot be used in locks having hasps of a relatively narrow aperture. Such locks require the use of a seal having a wire or other relatively narrow, elongated member.
- Prior art wire seals, however, have suffered from the disadvantage that they require multiple steps to use. For example, one prior art wire seal is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,402,958 issued to Mahaney. The wire seal disclosed therein first requires the wire to be inserted into an aperture defined in the seal. After this a plug must be rotated in the seal. The use of the seal thus requires two steps: insertion and rotation. Another such example is U.S. Patent 5,762.386 issued to Fuehrer. This patent discloses a tamper resistant seal in which a wire must first be wrapped around an insert. The insert is then inserted into a receptacle from which it cannot be removed. Not only does this require multiple steps, but maintaining the wire around the insert while simultaneously inserting it into the receptacle requires a certain amount of dexterity and coordination.
- The desirability can therefore be seen of a self-locking wire seal which is simple to use and which eliminates the multi-step requirements of prior art wire seals.
- Accordingly, the present invention provides a self-locking wire seal which can be operated with only a single step. The seal is both easy to use and economical to manufacture and provides all the benefits associated with prior art wire seals.
- A self-locking wire seal according to one aspect of the present invention includes a body and a spiral wound wire which has a first end secured to the body. A channel is defined in the body and is sufficiently large to receive a second end of the spiral wound wire. A lock is positioned inside of the body adjacent the channel and is adapted to contact the spiral wound wire when it is inserted in the channel. The lock allows the wire to be inserted but not retracted from the channel.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a self-locking seal includes a body, a flexible, elongated member, and a channel defined in the body. An interior space is also defined in the body and in communication with the channel. A spring is housed in the interior space of the body. The spring includes a sidewall, a base wall, and a flexible arm. The sidewall is oriented generally parallel to the channel while the base wall is oriented generally perpendicular to the channel. The flexible arm is oriented at an angle with respect to the base wall and extends partially into the channel. The base wall includes an aperture in alignment with the channel. When the flexible, elongated member is inserted through the channel and the aperture, it is prevented from being removed from the channel by the flexible arm of the spring.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a self-locking seal includes a body having a plurality of sides. The body includes a first channel and a second channel. The first channel extends out of one of the plurality of sides of the body while the second channel extends through said body from one side to an opposite side of the body. A chamber is also defined in the body and is in communication with the first channel. A slug is provided and is dimensioned to fit within the chamber. A wire is secured to the slug and extends out of the body through the first channel. A spring is housed within the body and extends at least partially into the second channel. The spring is flexible enough to be pushed out of the channel when the wire is inserted into the second channel in a first direction. The spring is also oriented at an angle in the second channel such that the spring grips the wire when the wire is retracted in the second channel in a second direction opposite the first direction.
- According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of sealing an object having an opening includes providing a seal body having a metal wire secured thereto. The metal wire has a free end which is unsecured to the seal body. A channel is defined within the body and a flexible spring is provided within the body. The flexible spring extends at least partially into the channel and is oriented to grip the metal wire when the metal wire moves through the channel in a first direction. The flexible spring flexes out of the way of the metal wire when the wire is moved through a channel in a second direction opposite said first direction. The free end of the metal wire is inserted through the opening in the object and subsequently inserted until the free end moves past the flexible spring.
- In use, the self-locking wire seal of the present invention involves only the single step of inserting the wire into a channel in the body. The insertion of the wire self locks the wire in the channel of the body. No extra steps of twisting or inserting are required. These and other benefits, results and objects of the present invention will be apparent to one skilled in the art, in light of the following specification when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- Fig. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of a self-locking wire seal according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the self-locking wire seal shown with a first half of the body removed and the wire inserted into the seal;
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the first half of the self-locking wire seal;
- Fig. 4 is a plan view of the first half depicted in Fig. 3;
- Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the first half of the seal taken along the line V-V of Fig. 4;
- Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line VI-VI of Fig. 4;
- Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second half of the first embodiment of the wire seal;
- Fig. 8 is a plan view of the second half of the wire seal of Fig. 7;
- Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of Fig. 8;
- Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line X-X of Fig. 8:
- Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a spring;
- Fig. 12 is an elevational view of the spring of Fig. 11;
- Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a slug;
- Fig. 14 is an elevational, sectional view of the slug of Fig. 13;
- Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a concentrically laid, spiral wound wire;
- Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the assembled first embodiment of the wire seal; and
- Fig. 17 is a first half of a wire seal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
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- The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to like elements in the several drawings. A self-locking
wire seal 20 is depicted in Fig. 1 in unassembled form. Self-locking wire seal 20 includes abody 22 having a first andsecond half lock 28, which in this case comprises aspring 30, is housed between first andsecond halves body 22. Aspiral wound wire 32 is secured at afirst end 34 to aslug 36.Slug 36 is sandwiched between first andsecond halves body 22.Slug 36 retainsfirst end 34 of spiral woundwire 32 inbody 22. Whenseal 20 is to be used, a second,free end 38 ofwire 32 is inserted into achannel 40 defined inbody 22.Channel 40 intersects a portion ofspring 30 and is generally aligned with anaperture 42 defined inspring 30. During the manufacturing process, first andsecond halves spring 30 andslug 36. In order to operate self-lockingwire seal 20,second end 38 ofwire 32 is inserted intochannel 40past spring 30. Whenwire 32 first contacts aflexible arm 44 ofspring 30,flexible arm 44 is moved out of the way ofwire 32.Wire 32 can therefore be inserted pastflexible arm 44.Wire 32, however, cannot be retracted out ofchannel 40 because of the gripping ofwire 32 byflexible arm 44. Specifically,flexible arm 44 fits under an edge of the spiral windings ofspiral wound wire 32. The spiral winding contactsflexible arm 44 and preventswire 32 from being retracted. In this way, seal 20 is self-locking and only requires the insertion ofwire 32 intochannel 40. -
First half 24 ofbody 22 is preferably made of plastic, although other materials could be used.First half 24 includes afirst side 46 andsecond side 48.First half 24 further includes three channel-defining protrusions (Figs. 1-6). The first andsecond channel protrusions 50 partially definefirst channel 40 in body 22 (see Figs. 1 and 2). Athird channel protrusion 54 partially defines asecond channel 56 inbody 22 and is, in the current embodiment, oriented generally parallel tofirst channel 40. As can be seen,first channel 40 extends fromfirst side 46 tosecond side 48 offirst half 24.Second channel 56 extends into the interior offirst half 24, but does not extend completely throughfirst half 24. Protrusions 50 and 54 include a generallysemi-circular surface 58 which is positioned along corresponding semi-circular surfaces onsecond half 26 to thereby define first andsecond channels Wire 32 fits through first andsecond channels first channel protrusion 50 includes a slopedsurface 60. When spiral wound wire is inserted intofirst channel 40, it is inserted throughfirst side 46 ofbody 22. It passes through the portion offirst channel 40 defined bysecond channel protrusion 50. It then passes through atrapezoidal space 82 wherelock 28 is positioned. Finally, it passes into the portion offirst channel 40 defined byfirst channel protrusion 50.Sloped surface 60 helps ensure thatwire 32 is properly guided into the portion offirst channel 40 defined byfirst channel protrusion 50. Thereafter,wire 32 exits out ofsecond side 48 ofbody 22. -
First half 24 further includes atrapezoidal block 64 which is defined generally between first andsecond channel protrusions 50.Trapezoidal block 64 fits into theinterior space 66 of spring 30 (see Figs. 11-12). Trapezoidal block is dimensioned somewhat smaller thaninterior space 66 to allow a certain degree of flexing offlexible arm 44 ofspring 30.Trapezoidal block 64, however, limits the flexing offlexible arm 44 toward abase wall 68 ofspring 30.Trapezoidal block 64 locatesbase wall 68 ofspring 30, and preventsbase wall 68 from moving upon insertion ofwire 32. Ablock extension 70 is defined adjacenttrapezoidal block 64 and helps guidewire 32 throughfirst channel 40. -
First half 24 further includes sixcircular bonding areas 72.Bonding areas 72 project outwardly fromfirst half 24body 22.Bonding area 72 are used in securingfirst half 24 tosecond half 26 ofbody 22. While a wide variety of different methods can be used to secure these two halves together, in the current embodiment, first andsecond halves - Figs. 7-10 depict
second half 26 ofbody 22. As can be seen in Figs. 7 and 8,second half 26 includes sixbonding depressions 74 which receive thebonding protrusions 72 onfirst half 24.Second half 26 further includes recesses 76 and 78 which receive first, second, andthird channel protrusions first half 24. Recesses 76 and 78 include asemicircular surface 80 which aligns withsemicircular surface 58 when first andsecond halves second channels Second half 26 further includes atrapezoidal recess 82 which accommodatesspring 30. An angled portion 52 (Figs. 8 and 10) ofsemicircular surface 80 is located adjacenttrapezoidal recess 82 and helps guidewire 32 intochannel 40 after it is threadedpast spring 30.Trapezoidal recess 82 includes anangled wall 84 which has a greater angle than the unflexed angle offlexible arm 44 ofspring 30. Whenspring 30 is inserted intotrapezoidal recess 82, a space is therefore created betweenangled wall 84 andflexible arm 44. The space allowsflexible arm 44 to flex out of the way ofwire 32 when it is inserted intofirst channel 40. -
Second half 26 further includes aslug recess 86 positioned toward the end ofsecond channel 56.Slug recess 86 is dimensioned to accommodate slug 36 (Figs. 1, 13, and 14) that is fixedly secured tofirst end 34 of spiral woundwire 32.Slug 36 securesfirst end 34 ofwire 32 internally inbody 22 ofseal 20. -
Spring 30 includes, in addition toflexible arm 44,base wall 68 andsidewall 92.Base wall 68 andsidewall 92 are oriented generally perpendicular to each other (Figs. 11 and 12).Flexible arm 44 extends at an angle frombase wall 68 towardsidewall 92.Flexible arm 44, however, does not reach entirely tosidewall 92, but instead terminates adjacent thereto and defines agap 94 betweensidewall 92 andflexible arm 44.Gap 94 is wherewire 32 fits when inserted intoseal 20. -
Slug 36 is depicted in Figs. 13 and 14 and is attached by any conventional means tofirst end 34 ofwire 32.Slug 36 is made of metal in the current embodiment, but could be made of any suitable material.Slug 36 preventsfirst end 34 ofwire 32 from being removed from thebody 22 ofwire seal 20. - A section of
spiral wound wire 32 is depicted in fig. 15.Spiral wound wire 32 is a conventional wire that is commercially available from a variety of sources. In the current embodiment, spiral wound wire is a concentrically laid stainless steel wire that has eight wrappings per inch of wire. Of course it will be understood that different numbers of wrappings per inch can be used within the scope of the invention. The turns of the spiral wrapping onwire 32 define a series of notches which are engaged by anedge 96 ofspring 30 in the manner of a ratchet and thereby preventwire 32 from being retracted out ofseal 20. Preferably the spiral wound wire has a cross-sectional width of less than 0.1 inch. In the current embodiment, the main wire ofspiral wound wire 32 has a diameter of .019 inches, while the spiral wire has a diameter of .016 inches. Wires with other dimensions can of course be used. During the course of manufacture, the ends the wire are fused together, i.e., welded. This welding of the two wire elements allows a rounded finish which eases insertion and serves to keep the assembly together under physical stress. The terminal weld also serves to indicate that the seal is as it came from the factory. A cut, sharp end would indicate the possibility of tampering. - Fig. 16 depicts an assembled self-locking
wire seal 20 according to one embodiment of the current invention. Prior to use,second end 38 ofwire 32 is not inserted intosecond channel 56 ofbody 22. When used,second end 38 ofwire 32 is first inserted through the hasp of the lock, or other looping structure, which is desired to be secured.Second end 38 ofwire 32 is then inserted intosecond channel 56past spring 30. Oncewire 32 is insertedpast spring 32, the spiral wound nature ofwire 32, in combination withedge 96 offlexible arm 44, preventswire 32 from being retracted out of the body of the seal. Typicallywire 32 is inserted fully intosecond channel 56 until the loop formed bywire 32 is as small as possible. In this manner, any tampering with the lock secured byseal 20 is detectable. If the loop is left too large, then it is possible to cutwire 32 and reinsert the cut end intosecond channel 56 and thereby avoid detection of tampering. - Fig. 17 depicts a first half 24' according to a second embodiment of the present invention. First half 24' differs from the first embodiment in that it includes an elongated section or
tag 98. First half 24' is joined to a second half that is the same assecond half 26 of the first embodiment. When joined together, the seal 20' operates in the same manner asseal 20 of the first embodiment.Tag 98 of first half 24' provides a highly visible area for stamping a unique serial number associated with the particular seal. In this way. a seal cannot simply be cut and replaced with another seal without being detected. Such a serial number can also be stamped ontofirst half 24, although it does not have as highly a visible section aselongated section 98. - While the present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments discussed in the above specification, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these particular preferred embodiments, but includes any and all such modifications which are in the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (10)
- A self-locking seal, comprising:a body;a flexible elongated metallic member having a first and a second end. said first end secured to said body, said flexible elongated metallic member including at least one notch;a channel defined in said body, said channel being sufficiently large to receive said second end of said flexible elongated member;a lock positioned adjacent said channel, said lock adapted to engage said at least one notch on said flexible elongated member and allow said member to be inserted into said channel and past said lock in one direction but prevent said member from being retracted from said channel through said lock in the opposite direction.
- The self-locking seal of claim 1 wherein said flexible elongated member is a spiral wound wire and said notches are defined between the turns of the spiral wound on said wire.
- The self-locking seal of claim 1 or 2 wherein said lock comprises a member which is resiliently biased into contact with said flexible elongated member.
- The self-locking seal of claim 3 wherein said lock member comprises a spring having an edge that resiliently contacts said flexible elongated member.
- The self-locking seal of claim 4 wherein said spring comprises a base wall and a flexible arm on which said edge is defined, said flexible arm being oriented at an acute angle with respect to said base wall.
- The self-locking seal of claim 5 wherein said spring further includes a side wall oriented generally perpendicular to said base wall, said base wall defining an aperture positioned in said channel and dimensioned to receive said flexible elongated member.
- The self-locking seal of any preceding claim, wherein said body defines a second channel and an interior chamber in communication with said second channel, said chamber having a greater cross sectional area than said second channel and dimensioned to receive a slug secured to said first end of said flexible elongated member whereby said first end of said member is secured to said body by way of said slug positioned in said chamber.
- The self-locking seal of any preceding claim wherein the first channel extends fully through the body.
- The self-locking seal of any preceding claim wherein said body includes a first and a second half of plastic that are ultrasonically welded together.
- A method of sealing an object having an opening, comprising:providing a seal body having a metal wire secured thereto, said metal wire having a free end;providing a channel defined within said body;providing a flexible spring within said body. said flexible spring extending into said channel, said flexible spring oriented to grip said metal wire when moved through said channel in a first direction and to flex out of the way of said metal wire when moved through said channel in a second direction opposite said first direction;inserting said free end of said metal wire through said opening in said object;subsequently inserting said free end of said metal wire into said channel past said flexible spring.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/399,530 US6578886B1 (en) | 1999-09-20 | 1999-09-20 | Self-locking wire seal |
US399530 | 1999-09-20 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1085488A2 true EP1085488A2 (en) | 2001-03-21 |
EP1085488A3 EP1085488A3 (en) | 2001-06-13 |
Family
ID=23579877
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP00650127A Withdrawn EP1085488A3 (en) | 1999-09-20 | 2000-09-07 | Self-locking wire seal |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6578886B1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1085488A3 (en) |
EA (1) | EA002552B1 (en) |
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WO2003085628A1 (en) * | 2002-04-08 | 2003-10-16 | Stoba Ag | Pull-though seal |
WO2005057528A2 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-23 | Ellipse Industrie | Seal with identification support and injection mould used for production thereof |
FR2874115A1 (en) * | 2004-08-03 | 2006-02-10 | Ellipse Ind Sa | Electronic security tag with loop, protecting, sealing or identifying equipment and objects, includes tab attachment and permanently-locking strand holding them together |
EP1672607A3 (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2006-08-23 | ITW Limited | Security seal |
WO2015105462A1 (en) * | 2014-01-09 | 2015-07-16 | Sealcorp, A.S. | Safety seal with a closing mechanism |
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US7124606B2 (en) * | 2003-08-07 | 2006-10-24 | Brady Worldwide, Inc. | Lockout safety hasp |
US20050193783A1 (en) * | 2004-03-02 | 2005-09-08 | David Zovic | Security device, security system including the security device and security method using the security system |
KR101363376B1 (en) * | 2004-12-07 | 2014-02-14 | 센소매틱 일렉트로닉스, 엘엘씨 | Security device for constraining an article having an elongate element |
US7131300B1 (en) | 2005-06-09 | 2006-11-07 | Larry Monasco | Seal guard |
US20070029786A1 (en) * | 2005-07-20 | 2007-02-08 | Signat, Llc | Tamper indicating security device and method |
US8031069B2 (en) | 2008-01-14 | 2011-10-04 | Oded Yair Cohn | Electronic security seal and system |
US8186731B1 (en) | 2009-04-14 | 2012-05-29 | Sandia Corporation | Tamper indicating seal |
US8733805B2 (en) * | 2011-07-27 | 2014-05-27 | Nic Products Inc. | Security seal assembly |
CN104508323B (en) * | 2012-02-03 | 2017-03-08 | E.J.布鲁克斯公司 | Show the safety seal that seals off |
US8960737B2 (en) | 2012-04-19 | 2015-02-24 | Nic Products Inc. | Lock bolt |
US9013306B2 (en) | 2012-10-05 | 2015-04-21 | Racer Technology Pte Ltd | Security device |
BR202012031675U2 (en) * | 2012-12-12 | 2014-11-11 | Plasticos Polyvig Ltda | CONSTRUCTIVE PROVISION APPLIED ON SAFETY SAFETY |
WO2014186335A1 (en) | 2013-05-14 | 2014-11-20 | Nic Products Inc. | Rotary security seal |
US10186176B2 (en) | 2013-05-14 | 2019-01-22 | Nic Products, Inc. | Rotary security seal |
MY183510A (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2021-02-23 | Mega Fortris Malaysia Sdn Bhd | A cable lock and seal device |
WO2015156996A1 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2015-10-15 | E.J. Brooks Company | Thermoplastic security seal with covered locking recess |
US11098502B2 (en) | 2014-05-15 | 2021-08-24 | Steven Joseph Jaworski | Tamper proof cable lock |
USD797193S1 (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2017-09-12 | Beverly A. Csenar | Snap on identification tag |
US10913576B2 (en) | 2016-12-02 | 2021-02-09 | E.J. Brooks Company | Tamper evident locking device |
USD1037828S1 (en) * | 2022-06-29 | 2024-08-06 | Brady Worldwide, Inc. | Lockout device |
JP7405481B1 (en) | 2023-09-25 | 2023-12-26 | 名伸電機株式会社 | sealing tool |
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US4500124A (en) * | 1983-01-13 | 1985-02-19 | E. J. Brooks Company | Seal of the padlock type |
US5582447A (en) * | 1995-02-24 | 1996-12-10 | E. J. Brooks Company | Locking device with serpentine gripping member |
EP0861994A2 (en) * | 1997-02-27 | 1998-09-02 | E.J. Brooks Company | Security seal and lock |
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US830565A (en) * | 1905-09-14 | 1906-09-11 | St Louis Steel Enameled Brick And Seal Company | Seal. |
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US968665A (en) * | 1909-10-05 | 1910-08-30 | Edwin Hall Humphrey | Mail-bag seal. |
FR973370A (en) | 1948-10-08 | 1951-02-09 | Usines Samsons | Improvements in the manufacture of rough metal wires known as lead wires or pearl wires |
US2809065A (en) * | 1956-07-27 | 1957-10-08 | John F Rhodes | Lock seal suitable for manufacture in plastics |
US3556575A (en) | 1968-11-15 | 1971-01-19 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Tamperproof seal |
GB1376912A (en) | 1971-06-28 | 1974-12-11 | Itw Ltd | Seals for wires and the like |
US3770307A (en) * | 1972-09-14 | 1973-11-06 | Brammall Inc | Cable lock and seal device |
US3875618A (en) | 1973-12-10 | 1975-04-08 | Fastway Fasteners | Bundling tie |
US4326740A (en) | 1980-07-03 | 1982-04-27 | E. J. Brooks Company | Security seal |
US4498507A (en) | 1983-06-28 | 1985-02-12 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Cable tie |
US4600220A (en) | 1983-11-28 | 1986-07-15 | E. J. Brooks Company | Connection nut seal with means for allowing test of integrity |
US4681355A (en) * | 1985-10-22 | 1987-07-21 | Trans-Guard Industries, Inc. | Security seal for use with stranded cable |
US4640538A (en) * | 1985-10-29 | 1987-02-03 | Trans-Guard Industries Inc. | Security seal |
US5125700A (en) * | 1990-07-30 | 1992-06-30 | Fattori Lazzaro A | Security seal |
CA2047945C (en) | 1990-08-02 | 1995-04-04 | William A. Fortsch | Cable tie having improved locking barb |
US5222776A (en) * | 1992-11-09 | 1993-06-29 | E. J. Brooks Company | Security seal and lock |
US5402958A (en) | 1993-04-20 | 1995-04-04 | Inner-Tite Corporation | Tamper evident seal |
US5568951A (en) * | 1993-10-07 | 1996-10-29 | Morgan; Brian R. | Tamper evident security device |
GB2285475B (en) | 1994-01-07 | 1997-09-24 | Thomas & Betts Corp | Improvements in cable ties |
TW310003U (en) | 1994-03-30 | 1997-07-01 | Toshiba Co Ltd Kk | Fluid compressor |
US5513421A (en) | 1994-04-15 | 1996-05-07 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Cable tie having an improved strap locking device |
US5647620A (en) * | 1994-12-22 | 1997-07-15 | Kuenzel; Rainer | Cable lock and seal device incorporating self locking feature |
US5762386A (en) | 1995-01-20 | 1998-06-09 | Stoffel Seals Corporation | Tamper resistant seal and method of sealing an object |
US5544391A (en) | 1995-04-07 | 1996-08-13 | Dymetrol Company, Inc. | Tie head and fastening system |
FR2740595B1 (en) | 1995-10-27 | 1998-01-23 | Fortin Jean | SEAL IN PARTICULAR FOR CONTAINER DOORS |
US5871243A (en) | 1997-01-16 | 1999-02-16 | American Casting & Manufacturing Corp. | Tamper deterrent wire seal |
US5815891A (en) | 1997-02-06 | 1998-10-06 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Cable tie with bent barb |
US5781975A (en) | 1997-03-12 | 1998-07-21 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Flexible platform for cable tie barb |
US6000736A (en) * | 1998-04-30 | 1999-12-14 | E.J. Brooks Company | Rotatable seal |
US6131969A (en) * | 1999-01-26 | 2000-10-17 | American Casting & Manufacturing Corporation | Cable lock |
-
1999
- 1999-09-20 US US09/399,530 patent/US6578886B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2000
- 2000-09-07 EP EP00650127A patent/EP1085488A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-09-19 EA EA200000853A patent/EA002552B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3966247A (en) * | 1973-06-04 | 1976-06-29 | Madge Canter Associates, Inc. | Keyless padlock |
US4500124A (en) * | 1983-01-13 | 1985-02-19 | E. J. Brooks Company | Seal of the padlock type |
US5582447A (en) * | 1995-02-24 | 1996-12-10 | E. J. Brooks Company | Locking device with serpentine gripping member |
EP0861994A2 (en) * | 1997-02-27 | 1998-09-02 | E.J. Brooks Company | Security seal and lock |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003085628A1 (en) * | 2002-04-08 | 2003-10-16 | Stoba Ag | Pull-though seal |
WO2005057528A2 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-06-23 | Ellipse Industrie | Seal with identification support and injection mould used for production thereof |
WO2005057528A3 (en) * | 2003-12-09 | 2005-09-09 | Ellipse Ind | Seal with identification support and injection mould used for production thereof |
FR2874115A1 (en) * | 2004-08-03 | 2006-02-10 | Ellipse Ind Sa | Electronic security tag with loop, protecting, sealing or identifying equipment and objects, includes tab attachment and permanently-locking strand holding them together |
EP1672607A3 (en) * | 2004-12-16 | 2006-08-23 | ITW Limited | Security seal |
US7472933B2 (en) | 2004-12-16 | 2009-01-06 | Itw Limited | Security seal |
WO2015105462A1 (en) * | 2014-01-09 | 2015-07-16 | Sealcorp, A.S. | Safety seal with a closing mechanism |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EA200000853A2 (en) | 2001-04-23 |
EA200000853A3 (en) | 2001-06-25 |
EA002552B1 (en) | 2002-06-27 |
EP1085488A3 (en) | 2001-06-13 |
US6578886B1 (en) | 2003-06-17 |
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